The Los Angeles Chargers will start their 2025 NFL regular-season game with a difficult matchup. On Friday, they’re facing the Kansas City Chiefs, the three-time defending AFC champions who are hoping to reach the Super Bowl yet again and win their fourth Vince Lombardi Trophy of the Patrick Mahomes era.
During the Mahomes era, the Chiefs have been the one team that the Chargers have usually been unable to defeat. But it is a new day for L.A., as Jim Harbaugh is entering his second season as its head coach, and the team is not exactly a pushover any longer.
The team now expects to win the majority of its games, and quarterback Justin Herbert knows that Friday’s contest will be something of a measuring stick for it.
“They’re a very good team. It’s a great opportunity to go out there & test us. We’re looking to having a great experience.”
Justin Herbert on the Chiefs: “They’re a very good team. It’s a great opportunity to go out there & test us. We’re looking to having a great experience.”
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 3, 2025
Read more: Ryan Clark Has Wild Take on Chargers QB Justin Herbert
While some are counting out the Chiefs following their lopsided loss in Super Bowl LIX, others feel they will be even better this season, as they should be hungrier and more motivated, while their young prospects should be a little more seasoned.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice, who is starting his third season in the NFL, is serving a six-game suspension to start the year. But speedster WR Xavier Worthy is now in his second season after putting up 742 yards and nine touchdowns from scrimmage last year, and tight end Travis Kelce remains a big threat when needed.
Herbert also said he’s looking forward to the challenge of facing Kansas City in a raucous arena.
“I love to travel,” he said. “I’m really excited. I think it’s really cool. I’ve heard it’s going to be really loud.”
Justin Herbert on playing in São Paulo: “I love to travel. I’m really excited. I think it’s really cool. I’ve heard it’s going to be really loud.” pic.twitter.com/CXyscAseNe
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 3, 2025
Herbert threw for 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns with just three interceptions last season as L.A. went 11-6, its best record since 2018, and made the playoffs. His 101.7 passer rating in 2024 was a new career-high.
He seems to have some budding young weapons at the skill positions, including wide receiver Ladd McConkey and running backs Najee Harris and Omario Hampton. Wideout Keenan Allen, who spent his first 11 seasons with the Bolts, is back after playing last season with the Chicago Bears.
Read more: Chargers Rookie Projected to Have Under-the-Radar Breakout Season
The Chargers will return to the States following Friday’s game and get an extended rest before visiting the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, Sept. 15. They will then host the upstart Denver Broncos on Sept. 21 at SoFi Stadium.
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